West Ham United defender James Collins has backed the board's decision to retain the services of manager Sam Allardyce

West Ham United defender James Collins believes his club will reap the rewards of retaining head coach Sam Allardyce’s services.

The former Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers boss’ job was under pressure at the end of last season but after lengthy talks with the club’s board, Allardyce was kept on.

A decision which centre-back Collins endorses: “He is so good, he sets out a plan for the whole season, how many points we need to finish as high as we can and improve on last year.

“He has done well for the last two years, we weren’t too happy last season but we finished 13th in the end.”

A section of the club’s support turned against the 54-year-old last season, criticising the lack of entertainment and style of football dished up at Upton Park during his tenure.

However, the club’s co-chairmen, David Gold and David Sullivan, showed their faith in the manager by announcing he would continue at the helm for the 2014/15 campaign.

Confident that the decision will be beneficial for the club, Collins added: “Not once has the gaffer ever told us to play direct. It is about winning football matches. Before every game he works out the best way to win and that is how we go out and play.”

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“We are looking to kick on this year, the gaffer has already brought in a couple of new signings and I'm sure there will be more,” he added.

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